Clearly we know from experience that Mackie as a company has produced some very useable and fine-sounding equipment, and there is every reason to expect that the Onyx Blackjack will be an excellent performer. The spec is excellent.

But it just looks cute and sweet and it would go nicely on anyone's DAW desk.

Actually, Mackie has a video showing that it's not so sweet after all. It's made of metal and they show one of the team beating up another manufacturer's interface with it!

So what is it that caught our eye?

I think it's the design, just the design. The controls are angled, which makes it practical to use. There is a nice design feature with what looks like a grille on the top. Perhaps those converters get hot; there are certainly no vacuum tubes inside. I doubt it though - it's there just to look good.

So in summary, while you can get the job done with efficient, great sounding equipment, there's no harm in enjoying the tools of your trade too!

IN BRIEF

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